Meaning of "Always After You ('Til You Started After Me)" by The Walkmen

The lyrics of the song "Always After You ('Til You Started After Me)" by The Walkmen illustrate a complex dynamic of pursuit and rivalry in a relationship. The imagery of mansions, gardens, and falling down the stairs portrays a world of opulence and chaos, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster the individuals are experiencing. The repetition of the lines "I was always after you until you started after me" conveys a power shift, where the one who was once pursued is now the pursuer, leading to questions about the nature of their connection and the uncertainty of their future together. The mention of debts falling and throwing papers in the air symbolizes a release from responsibilities and expectations, possibly indicating a desire to break free from the constraints of the relationship. Overall, the song captures the complexity of human relationships, the shifting power dynamics, and the struggle to break free from patterns that no longer serve the individuals involved.